1. The C.G. Jung Institute in Zurich, located in Küsnacht, is an institution for postgraduate training in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis based on the analytical psychology (AP) of C.G. Jung, which we continue to develop on a scientific basis.
C.G. Jung's analytical psychology and psychotherapy is one of the psychodynamic therapies that attribute a significant role to unconscious processes in the genesis of mental and psychosomatic disorders.
We consider the following aspects to be core elements of analytical psychology:
- The concept of a dynamic and layered unconscious in line with current neuroscientific findings.
- The psychology of the self. The self is regarded as the centre of the entire personality, encompassing the sum of a person's conscious and unconscious realities. Developing the relationship between the ego, which is closer to consciousness, and the self, opens up access to the self's creative and constructive qualities, thereby enriching life.
- The principle of finality. This means considering psychological phenomena such as the symptoms of a ‘neurotic disorder’ in a way that doesn't just look for causes in the past. The focus is on the question of (unconscious) intention, purpose and meaning. The aim of therapy is therefore not simply to eliminate a disorder, but to productively process the personal dynamics behind it. This results, among other things, in an orientation towards the future that promotes self-responsibility, self-efficacy and personal development in general.
- Complex psychology. As can be shown with the help of the association experiment, every person has a specific network of emotional complexes, most of which are unconscious. They are an expression of difficult relationship experiences and become pathological when they are strongly affectively charged and/or not easily accessible to consciousness. They can be triggered in everyday life, then dominate psychological events and thus determine behaviour - sometimes even radically. Exploring and working on the personal complex networks is a focus of analytical psychotherapy.
- The social-psychological concept of the ‘persona’, which refers to a mask-like self-definition in relation to the social environment and its - possibly restrictive - norms. The development of a stable persona is initially necessary for survival. However, the freedom of inner aspirations is restricted or even blocked as a result. In the individuation process, the aim is to find creative compromises and developments.
- The idea of individuation (self-realisation). This is both developmental psychology and therapeutic process theory and the most important theoretical building block of AP. It is about ‘becoming who you are and thus about unlived potential and unresolved life issues. Taking these into account fills life with a sense of meaning.
The AP therapy concept is based on the natural developmental tendency of the human being and relies on hidden psychological resources to strengthen and accompany this process. It relies on the ability to grow and to fully develop one's own potential.
Analytical Psychotherapy works with a broad range of methods. In addition to working with classic psychoanalytic concepts such as transference and countertransference, Jungian therapists also have imaginative, body-oriented and various creative methods at their disposal, as well as differentiated dream analysis and therapy.
2. At the C.G. Jung Institute Zurich, we combine teaching, clinics and research in an interdisciplinary, international and intercultural dialogue. The C.G. Jung Institute fulfils its mission at a high level. It regularly reviews its performance and tasks. Experienced lecturers from around the world teach students from more than 30 countries. In addition to the psychotherapeutic and psychoanalytic core subjects, topics from sociology, philosophy, ethnology, cultural anthropology, theology (spirituality), among others, are also taught. Students can complete their clinical training at the C.G. Jung Outpatient Clinic in Zurich and associated practices, working with patients from numerous countries and different cultural backgrounds. In addition, the research committee regularly initiates symposia based on the results of general and analytical psychotherapy research.
3. Our training programme imparts the latest international knowledge and encourages critical engagement with the training content. It creates the best possible conditions for developing a high level of professional expertise and promotes the personal development of future therapists through the necessary self-awareness.
4. We also offer further training with the aim of ensuring a continued, lively renewal through committed and self-critical trainers. This happens, for example, in the context of our supervision training, in the intervision groups that are offered and lectures on current topics in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
5. In the area of further training, we have implemented high ethical standards to protect patients, students and trainers. We adhere to data protection guidelines, our professional code of conduct and the ethical guidelines of our professional associations. We ensure that employees, trainers and students treat each other with respect and loyalty. Our ombudsman, ethics committee and appeals committee are bodies that take action in the event of violations of these principles.
As a vibrant institute with both a familial and international flair, we offer our participants in continuing education a well-founded training in depth psychology, an intellectual home and a gateway to the world.